Dog Poop and Walking Paths

I'm not typically an internet ranter, and I apologize to those who loath reading internet rants, but here goes:

Why is it that there are still dog owners out there that don't feel the slightest responsibility to clean up after their pets? This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine, as this is one of the many responsibilities and obligations of dog ownership. My feelings might be a bit harsh, but if you don't feel the need to handle your obligations as a dog owner, and clean up after your canine companion, don't get a dog!

It amazes me the amount of ignorant people who let their dogs leave bombs along the walking paths (especially the paths around the ponds in this town), with no regard for the many other people that use those paths on their daily outings; be it other dog owners, parents and children, kids coming home from school, couples taking a relaxing evening stroll etc. It is absolutely disgusting to have to avoid 10 piles of steaming turds on a 50 foot path, like some sort of excriment slolum, while trying take a leisurely stroll out in the fresh air.

Worst of all, is the fact that young children use those paths to walk or bike on. The last thing I want to see is a child falling into or stepping on a dung heap left by some ignorant dog owner who feels he/she is above the job of clean up. If I can clean up after multiple dogs EVERY single time, with a three year old and a wagon in tow, then everyone should be able to clean up after their single or multiple dogs with no exceptions.

So if you own a dog, it is YOUR responsibility to clean up after that animal, not to mention that there are by-laws in place requiring your to do your duty. So man (or woman) up, and pick up!!!

Rant done.

This has become a rather disgusting problem in my area and over the winter months will only get worse, hence the rant.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Funny at the Food Bowl - Dog Training in Milton

They are out there, there's millions of households that have one this very moment, lurking in your living rooms, under your covers ... they are the picky eaters of the canine world.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that a dog, of all creatures, would decide to be a picky eater. If you're like me, you've only had dogs that will wolf down anything in there path that even slightly resembles eatables. Dogs are opportunistic creatures, so when the opportunity to eat presents itself, many will take full advantage of it.

But then, we have those that turn their nose up at dinner unless it is accompanied by a nice steak sauce, or those who refuse to eat unless their bowl is in a certain area of the house, or snub the food until their owner waits on them hand and foot, feeding them each little morsel by hand.

Are these dogs truly picky eaters, or is there something else going on here?

From my experience through working with clients, and through observation, these dogs are not actually picky eaters, rather they are manipulating their owners, using the food bowl as a hostage.

Now when I say manipulating, I don't mean in the same sense as the way humans manipulate. There is no premeditation here, rather a habit that has built up due to the owner giving in to the dogs wishes.

The dog has become used to being waited upon, or having their food lavishly adorned with special sauces and when they fail to receive this treatment at meal times, they refuse the bowl.

The best way to deal with dogs like this is to use the good old, time tested method of filling the bowl, leaving it down for 20 minutes, and picking it up at the 20 minute mark, regardless if the dog has finished or not. Then trying again at the next meal, with the same process.

Unless your dog has an underlying medical issue, this process usually works over a few days, making the dog realize that he'll be going hungry if he doesn't do the doggy thing and eat his dinner. This is usually enough to break the bad habit of requiring fan fare or special treatment at meal times.

If you have a really stubborn case, it would be beneficial to seek the expertise of a trainer, to make sure that you are approaching the situation the correct way. It is also best to check with your vet to rule out any medical issues that may be interrupting the dogs eating habits.

Please feel free to contact Smart Dogs Canine Training if you are experiencing food related issues with your doggy companion and we would be happy to help.

dogtraining101@hotmail.com
www.smartdogsk9.com
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Dog Walking Milton

Smart Dogs Canine Training will now be offering Dog Walking services in Milton!

We provide this service with an abundance of experience since we are professional trainers first, so rest assured that your pooch is in good hands.

We will only be offering private walks for the safety and well being of your dog. Private walks ensure more one-on-one time, and provide opportunities to reinforce any training that your dog has had.

Our services are listed below and you can find more information on our website: www.smartdogsk9.com

Potty Breaks:

• $10.00 for 15 minutes

Dog Walking:

• $16.00 for 1/2 hour (1 dog)
• $22.00 for 1/2 hour (2 dogs from the same household)

Training Walk:

• $25.00 for 1/2 hour

Adventure Walk:

• $30.00 for 45 minutes to 1 hour

Please contact us to set up a dog walking schedule for you dogtraining101@hotmail.com